Europe (Schengen) tourist visa: documents you usually need
Visa needed
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
Indian citizens need a visa for this trip. The embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most nights decides. Applications usually go through VFS Global or BLS.
Documents you usually need
Passport and forms
- Valid passportIssued in the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area, with 2 blank pages.
- Recent photographsRecent photos to Schengen size (35 x 45 mm) on a light background.
- Signed Schengen application formFilled in online or on paper, as the embassy asks.
Money
- Bank statementsThe last 3 to 6 months, showing regular income and steady savings.
- Income tax returnsUsually the last 2 to 3 years, with salary slips or Form 16 if you are employed.
Your plans and ties to India
- Employment or business proofLeave letter and employer letter, or business registration and GST papers. Students bring a bonafide letter.
- Day-by-day itineraryWhere you will be each day. Keep it consistent with your bookings and cover letter.
- Ties to IndiaProperty papers, family details, a job or business to return to. Anything that shows you will come back.
- Cover letterOne page: who you are, why you are travelling, how long, who pays.
- Earlier visas and travel historyPast visas from the US, UK, Schengen, Canada or Australia help your case.
- Flight bookingA return booking or reservation. Many embassies do not want you to pay for a ticket before the visa.
- Accommodation proofHotel bookings, or an invitation letter with your host's address and ID if you stay with family or friends.
Health and safety
- Travel medical insuranceAt least EUR 30,000 cover, valid in every Schengen country for your whole stay.
If you hold a different passport: Citizens of some countries travel without a visa for short visits. A new online authorisation (ETIAS) is planned but has not started, so check the official page before you book.
Check the official source
More checklists
Visa decisions are made by the embassy or visa office. We guide your application; we cannot guarantee approval. This list is a summary of what applicants usually need, last reviewed 21 October 2026. Always confirm on the official site.